Sen. Lindsey Graham: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

Updated on January 28, 2012

The Proverbial Wolf

Graham Doing What He Does Best

Senator Graham

Graham Can't Be Trusted

There are pro(re)gressives on both sides of the political spectrum in American politics. Most of them have taken root in the Democratic Party. The Democrats are going to find out this November just how much of a hindrance they truly can be. But, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the Republican Party also has their share of the pro(re)gressives that have infiltrated politics of this nation for well over a century. To name just a few, Senator McCain (this hub could easily be about him), Senator Scott Brown (yes, it is true) and, of course, the Maine girls; Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. But, the one I consider the most dangerous, by far, is the esteemed senator from South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham. The others (with the possible exception of John McCain) don't even try to hide their pro(re)gressive streak. They couldn't hide their liberal feelings even if they tried.

Lindsey Graham is dangerous because he is two-faced (yes, just as his partner, McCain, is also). He has a long history of wanting to "reach across the aisle " to the Democrats. The problem with that is Democrats historically consider "reaching across the aisle " as a one-way street. They consider it bi-partisanship when you agree with their agenda. They consider Republicans "partisan " when they fight them on an issue. Lindsey Graham is considered "a reasonable Republican and one we can work with on a number of issues." Whenever a Democrat gives that kind of endorsement of a Republican, you know you have a problem on your hands. It is similar to when the New York Times endorsed John McCain for the Republican Presidential Nomination. If there was ever any doubt in my mind about John McCain, that endorsement right there solidified to me that John McCain was not a "maverick ." He was and is a pro(re)gressive. But, even as bad as John McCain is, he is not as dangerous as Lindsey Graham. Graham and his staff will viciously attack anyone who criticizes him. This goes for his constituents back home in South Carolina. It goes for the state GOP in South Carolina as well. Indeed, the state GOP rebuked Graham for his support of President Obama, bank bailouts, supporting Obama's U.S. Supreme Court Nominees and, of course, amnesty for illegal aliens.

It is the latter of that list above that has caused, perhaps, the most anger with the state GOP and nationally as well. He worked with the late Senator Ted Kennedy back in 2007 to push through amnesty for illegals with the able help of John McCain, of course. What people did not expect was the viciousness of attacks on his critics. Senator Graham called those against amnesty, "bigots and prejudiced, " among other callous names. Ironically, last week, Senator Graham called for a "look at the 14th Amendment" concerning anchor babies (see my hub "Anchor Babies: When Does Enough Become Enough?"). Now, that surprised a lot of people to hear that from this Republican champion of amnesty for illegals. It did not surprise me in the least. It appears he finally has recognized the damage he has done at home in South Carolina. People are basically finished with him. In fact, there appears to be some kind of grassroots movement to recall Senator Graham. I don't know if South Carolina law allows that or not. But, if it does, this could be one reason Graham is swinging wildly to the right. In my opinion, Senator Graham's call for a repeal of the 14th Amendment or a "tweaking " of this amendment is nothing more than a diversion. It's a diversion from his true motive; mass amnesty for illegal aliens in this country.

I think Senator Graham knows full well the Democratic controlled House and Senate will not bring this issue up for consideration. He knows that. He also knows how difficult it would be to either change the 14th Amendment or pass another amendment outlawing anchor babies. Even if the Republicans take both the House and Senate this November, don't expect to hear anything else about the 14th Amendment. This is political grandstanding on Senator Graham's part. He wants to look the part of a Republican trying to do something about the overwhelming illegal alien problem in this nation. He can say to his constituents in South Carolina, "Hey, I tried to do something about the anchor babies. The only thing else I can do is help pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform to get a handle on this issue." I hope, by now, the voters of South Carolina have caught on to Graham's little games on this issue, along with his acquiescing to Democrats on bank bailouts, US Supreme Court nominees and so forth. Yes, they keep reelecting this charlatan. Yes, he isn't up for reelection again until 2014. But, hopefully, South Carolina has had enough of him.

In summary, Senator Lindsey Graham is the most dangerous Republican due to his recent "conversion " to conservatism. He is going to fool a lot of people with this charade. He knows this. In the case of Lindsey Graham, he is not just a leopard who cannot change his spots. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing who is trying to wrangle Republicans in with his "sheepish " behavior on anchor babies.

Comments 10 comments

Depends on how tough his skin is. I think a number of the TPM contenders are going to be facing the same thing, especially Bachmann and Paul. Palin too if she decides to run.

Writer David 5 years ago from Mobile, AL Author

Stu, thanks for the comment. Yeah, Murkowski gets under my skin as bad as Graham does. There doesn't appear to be much of a real presidential contender in the tradition of Ronald Reagan. I have hopes for Rick Perry. But, I have a feeling he will buckle under the assault from the news media.

Stu From VT 5 years ago

Fantastic Hub. Sad you did not get more posts on this, as your analysis was really excellent. This is a late response to this Hub, but sadly some worse GOP's have emerged. Murkowski sticks out in my mind. And flip-floppers like Romney make me sick. And it's sad to see former patriots like Mitch Daniels go RINO on us. And even most of my "Tea Party Heroes" voted to extend the Patriot Act, even though it violates four Amendments in the Bill of Rights. Sadly, there don't seem to be any true blue heroes any more.

NoAmnesty 6 years ago

I don't know of a politician who is not two-faced. Some are just more obvious than others. Unfortunately, what they say and what they wind up doing is, more often than not,entirely different. I do know that come November I will not vote for any senator who supports the defense bill with the Dream amnesty attached to it. This is a flagrant bid to make an end run around the wishes of the American people.

Writer David 6 years ago from Mobile, AL Author

Sheri, he's been a RINO for quite some time now. He's just now trying to cover it up.

SheriSapp 6 years ago from West Virginia

I have been getting the feeling this man is a RINO for quite some time.

Writer David 6 years ago from Mobile, AL Author

Sheila, the anti-incumbency mood won't get rid of some of the most that need it such as Graham. But, as you pointed out, if we can get some good people in November, then maybe this nation won't fall apart until we can dump Obama in 2012. Let's hope so anyway.

sheila b. 6 years ago

I'm glad you wrote this. All of these entrenched politicians have to go. And what they'll be doing after the 2010 election is immediately trying to infect the newly elected. All we can hope for right now is that we get some honest people in office who will blow the whistle on them.

Writer David 6 years ago from Mobile, AL Author

eovery,

Graham AND McCain switching would probably the best for all involved. In the Democratic Party, they can be what they really are at heart; pro(re)gressives.

eovery 6 years ago from MIddle of the Boondocks of Iowa

I hear he is thinking of switching over to the democrat party. This tells what kind of guy he is.